Eau Claire Schedule

Click here to download the Spring/Summer 2018 registration packet. This is the pink-colored document you may have seen that contains all needed registration materials. It has the entire schedule you see on this page plus registration and membership information.

Click here to download the parking information for the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.

Spring/Summer 2018Eau Claire

46. Needle Felting for Beginners
Develop your needle felting skills while you create a 6′ by 8′ picture. Instructor, Nobuko Fukuda, a Japanese art instructor, will have you select the focal point of the picture using shapes such as a butterfly, bird, or other nature shapes. Additional elements like flowers or grasses will be added to make a complete scene. All material will be provided including a frame. See a picture at cvlor.org. Limit 12
Presenter: Nobuko Fukuda
Coordinator: Claudeen Oebser (715) 874-6054
Monday: March 5 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street
Cost: $20

47. Tostan Training in Africa

With the help of social work students, the presenters will reflect on their experiences being trained in the sustainable community development approach developed by Tostan. Tostan has transformed the lives of millions of Africans, especially women and girls, by empowering people to take positive steps to improve their lives. This has included eliminating female genital mutilation/cutting, eliminating childhood marriage, and facilitating gains in health, education, and economic opportunity. Recommended pre-reading includes However Long the Night and the resources at Tostan.org.
Presenter: Don Mowry and Leah Olson-Mcbride, UWEC
Coordinator: Irene Lazda (715) 559-8498
Tuesday: March 6 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street

48. Get the Flavor of Life in the Greek Isles
Through beautifully shot and edited videos, Sharon Daniels will share the delightful trip she took last fall to the Greek Isles. From the beguiling Cycladic Islands to Marvelous Mykonos and Delos to Athens and Delphi, she soaked in the scenery, savored the seafood, and steeped herself in the society. See old world architecture and ancient ruins. Follow her on a Greek cooking lesson. Get the flavor of life in the Greek Isles. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Sharon Daniels
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Thursday: March 8 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

Explore the tradition of collecting sap and making syrup here in Wisconsin. You will find out about the tools of the trade and take a guided tour of the sugar bush. Learn which trees to tap and how it is done, from tapping the tree to boiling the sap to making the syrup. Then sample the brown gold on some vanilla ice cream. Limit 25
Presenter: Jim Schweibert
Coordinator: Herb Ruscin (715) 877-1642
Wednesday: March 14 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Beaver Creek Reserve, two miles north of Fall Creek on Hwy K
Cost: $5

52. Turret Tales from a WWII Ball Turret Gunner – Cancelled

Doug Ward from Mondovi, Wisconsin, signed up for Army Air Corps in 1942 and trained as a mechanic. He then volunteered for the Ball Turret position on a B-17 to stay with the men with whom he had trained. Doug will share his historic adventures as a serviceman in WWII. Limit 70
Presenter: Doug Ward
Coordinator: Claudeen Oebser (715) 874-6054
Wednesday: March 21 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 East Half Moon Drive, Carson Park

53. Out There

Lift off from mainland Alaska & head straight for North Korea, but before you get there, drop down on a 7-mile wide island in the Bering Sea for one unique experience. Millions of nesting seabirds, bellowing fur seals, naughty blue foxes, Russian Orthodox Aleuts, and three meals a day at the fish processing plant. That’s life on St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs as enjoyed via “Ed’s Truck” and Steve Betchkal’s photography.
Presenter: Steve Betchkal
Coordinator: Kathie Fahrman (715) 839-9251
Thursday: March 22 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side

54. Hidden Archaeological Wonders of Rome-Skip the Colosseum

Rome has enough history to overwhelm the most serious student of the past. Join Dr. Wolter on a ramble to the quiet little corners where you can experience the past without crowds of tourists. Wander through crypts and catacombs. Visit theaters and baths. Where Julius Caesar fell, stray cats now wander. Europe’s oldest synagogue is in a lonely field of poppies. The colosseum? It was once just a water feature for something far bigger and grander. Learn about the real archaeology of ancient Rome.
Presenter: Dr. Tim Wolter
Coordinator: Tony Schuster (715) 723-6114
Friday: March 23 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side

55. Intermediate Needle Felting

Interested in creating a needle felting piece that can be turned into a purse or tote bag? Nobuko Fukuda, Japanese art instructor, will provide you with two or three designs that when completed will result in a 8” by 11” design. All material will be provided. Limit 12
Presenter: Nobuko Fukuda
Coordinator: Claudeen Oebser (715) 874-6054
Monday: March 26 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street
Cost: $20

56. Create a Gourd Birdhouse

Dorothy Huse is returning after last fall’s class on thunder gourds. She will help you prepare and decorate a gourd into a bird house for our feathered friends. You will find this is an easy and fun project that most any one can do. Limit 30
Presenter: Dorothy Huse
Coordinator: Pat Williams (715) 839-0752
Wednesday: March 28 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 East Half Moon Drive, Carson Park
Cost: $35 – Complete project ready to take home.

57. Logging in Wisconsin

Drawing from the photographs used in Logging in Wisconsin (2017), the authors will visually explore the 70 years when logging ruled the state and cover the characters who worked in forests and on rivers, the tools they used, and the places where they lived and worked. Their book will be available for purchase. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenters: Diana Peterson and Carrie Ronnander
Coordinator: John Stoneberg (715) 832-8315
Thursday: March 29 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

58. Observation: Art and the Everyday

This is an illustrated presentation on how viewing works of art can lead to a better awareness of and connection with our everyday surroundings. “The artist is intoxicated by the visual world and immersed in its characteristics.” Attributed to Paul Cezanne.
Presenter: Tiit Raid, Prof. emeritus, Dept. of Art, UWEC
Coordinator: Irene Lazda (715) 559-8498
Wednesday: April 4 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church, The Parlors, 202 W Grand Avenue Enter 2nd Avenue Entrance. Park along street or in 2nd Avenue church lot along the white picket fence.

59. Revitalize your Garden!

Melissa will share how she plans to rejuvenate a mature garden by refreshing flowers throughout the changing seasons, regenerating and regrowing aging shrubs, removing old plants, replanting perennials when lighting changes, redoing annual flower beds, and restoring tired soil. Jenny will spark your imagination with different color schemes and types of plants. She will show you different combinations of annuals, perennials, and house plants mixed together. She suggests refreshing your cooking with a new herb planter.
Presenter: Jenny Reit, May’s Floral,
Melissa Burke, The Florian Gardens
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Thursday: April 5 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
May’s Floral, 3424 Jeffers Road

60. Baseball as Played by POWs

Baseball was truly America’s game in the middle of the 20th Century but it is Dr. Tim Wolter who wrote the book on baseball as played by World War II prisoners of war. Hear stranger-than-fiction stories of games played in German stalags, Japanese labor camps, and even odder places. What were the ground rules when the ball went over the barbed wire? How did teams manage “away games”? How about teaching German POWs to play the great American pastime? Or even Shakespearean actors?
Presenter: Dr. Tim Wolter
Coordinator: Tony Schuster (715) 723-6114
Friday: April 6 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side

61. Italic Cursive Calligraphy

Learn a skill that you’ve always wanted to try or brush up on one that you haven’t used for awhile. Lucianne Boardman is a folk arts educator in the Chippewa Valley who has had experience developing art programs for ages 3 through 99. In this Calligraphy workshop you will learn the technique of Italic Cursive Calligraphy. After learning this beautiful style of lettering you will be able to create a personalized bookplate that can be used in your personal library. Limit 12
Presenter: Lucianne Boardman
Coordinator: Claudeen Oebser (715) 874-6054
Tuesday: April 10 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street
Cost: $20

62. Alice in Elderland: an Original Play

Alice reluctantly enters her Golden Years in this humorous look at the joys and frustration of aging. EcWIT (Eau Claire Women in Theatre) is a group of area women with backgrounds in education, theater, and performance, who use dramatic reading to share their love of literature. EcWIT’s programs are presented with interactive characterization without props, sets, or costumes. They appeared most recently at the Chippewa Valley Book Festival.
Presenters: ecWIT (Eau Claire Women in Theater)
Coordinator: Pat Williams (715) 839-0752
Wednesday: April 11 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Unity Christ Center, 1808 Folsom

Start your flower containers when the pros plant theirs — in mid April! Learn the basic principles that Chippewa Valley Growers use when planting their beautiful and long-lasting combination pots and hanging baskets. Then, plant your own 10 inch or larger combo pot/basket(s) for spring AND have them cared for by CVG staff until the end of May. Limit 20 per session. Please sign up for one session only.
Presenter: Dean Carstensen, CVG Head Grower and Plant Specialist
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (715) 835-0894
Thursday: April 19 A 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Thursday: April 19 B 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Chippewa Valley Growers, 7825 Prill Road 715-839-8448
Cost: $31.50 to plant a 10 inch pot/hanging basket. Includes all supplies and plants needed. Participants can choose to provide their own pots/upgrade to larger pots and baskets. There will be additional charges for larger containers with additional plants.

66. More than Lumbering: Early Eau Claire History

The historian, Eau Claire native, and author of A History of Eau Claire, Volume 1: The Lumbering Era to 1906 (2017) will take an unvarnished look at early Eau Claire history from its founding as three separate hamlets in the 1840’s up through the early 1900’s. His book will be available for purchase. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Brian Blakeley
Coordinator: John Stoneberg (715) 832-8315
Thursday: April 19 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

67. Building Excellence: The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 1916-2016

The authors’ 2016 book chronicles the century-long transformation of a small normal school for prospective teachers into a large regional comprehensive university. They will examine the roles that demography, state and national policies, economic and political crises, higher educational trends, community involvement, campus leadership, and student demands played in shaping UW-Eau Claire. Their book will be available for purchase. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenters: Drs. Robert Gough and James Oberly, UWEC History Dept
Coordinator: John Stoneberg (715) 832-8315
Monday: April 23 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

68. Home Technology Systems

Options for communication technology in the home have greatly expanded in recent years. Not only are there entertainment technologies that can be connected to your “smart” TV but also various home system control technologies that can be connected to household devices to simplify your life. This class will explore media, services, and hardware options and provide advice in setting up both simple and more complex systems. Limit 30
Presenters: Scott Lavender, Best Buy, and Joe Hagaman
Coordinator: Joe Hagaman (715) 556-7723
Monday: April 23 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street

69. Wisconsin and World War I

The author and historian (The Great War Comes to Wisconsin: Sacrifice, Patriotism, and Free Speech in a Time of Crisis (2017)) captures the American home front experience through a Badger State lens, detailing the political debates over war policy, the worry over loved ones fighting overseas, the countless everyday sacrifices, and the impact of a wartime hysteria that drove dissent underground. His book will be available for purchase. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Rick L. Pifer
Coordinator: John Stoneberg (715) 832-8315
Tuesday: April 24 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

70. Identity Theft: Protect and Prevent

Identity theft continues to be the fastest growing crime in the United States. The more you learn about it, the less vulnerable you are. Laura Fay from The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will explain the different types of identity theft, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it – including information about Fraud Alerts and Security Freezes. Receive tips for safeguarding personal information and how to spot the red flags of a scam.
Presenter: Laura Fay, Agency Liaison for The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection within the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Coordinator: Barbara Wimunc-Pearson (715) 836-9598
Wednesday: April 25 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church, The Parlors, 202 W Grand Avenue Enter 2nd Avenue Entrance. Park along street or in 2nd Avenue church lot along the white picket fence.

Bio: Laura Fay is the Agency Liaison for the Bureau of Consumer Protection within the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. As the Agency Liaison, Laura travels around the state to educate the public, businesses and law enforcement on the importance of privacy protection and data security. Laura is a graduate of the University of Washington-Seattle with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, and has a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Laura’s background in financial education and identity theft began while working as a Financial Specialist for UW Credit Union.

71. Hmong Daughters, Literacy, And Change

Dr. Simon will discuss the oral literacy history narratives of several Hmong American women who grew up in the Upper Midwest and will show how literacy has propelled their generation into new roles for Hmong women in the U.S. She also will consider Hmong literacy history and highlight the roles that their first-generation refugee parents played in their daughters’ literacy development.
Presenter: Dr. Kaia Simon, Asst. Professor of English, UWEC
Coordinator: Barbara Wimunc-Pearson (715) 836-9598
Thursday: April 26 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 East Half Moon Drive, Carson Park

Bio: Kaia L. Simon, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of English and the Director of the University Writing Program at UW-Eau Claire. Her current research is about Hmong women and literacy.

72. Travel With Grandkids

Intergenerational travel has become a growing segment of the travel industry. Marty and Mike O’Halloran have enjoyed trips with each of their six grandchildren. Marty will share practical advice on choosing and setting up a trip, as well as highlights from her family’s adventures in Canada, Costa Rica, Florida, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.
Presenter: Marty O’Halloran
Coordinator: Barbara Wimunc-Pearson (715) 836-9598
Thursday: April 26 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church, The Parlors, 202 W Grand Avenue Enter 2nd Avenue Entrance. Park along street or in 2nd Avenue church lot along the white picket fence.

73. Our Experiences as Red Cross Volunteers

Carol and Bob Hauser and Marilyn Skrivseth will share the humorous, the unknown, and the rewarding experiences they have had the past few years volunteering for the Red Cross. Beginning as DAT volunteers, which means they responded to local disasters, Carol and Bob have now been deployed to nine states. They leave for a minimum of two weeks at each deployment, whether floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other disasters. Hear about their fascinating experiences and learn more about Red Cross volunteers. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Carol and Bob Hauser, Marilyn Skrivseth
Coordinator: Elizabeth Fischer (715) 874-5633
Tuesday: May 8 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

74. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Creating Our Future

Chancellor Jim Schmidt will look at the momentous changes that have shaped an institution that has been named among the nation’s best and has become an integral partner for the region’s future. Then, he’ll look forward to what’s on the horizon for students and community. Chancellor Schmidt will bring his insider perspective on what’s working, what opportunities await, and how our region and university can become even stronger.
Presenter: Dr. James C. Schmidt, Eighth Chancellor UWEC
Coordinator: Michael O’Halloran (715) 835-2388
Wednesday: May 9 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
The Priory, 1190 Priory Road

75. Falcons of Linen & Spruce: The Aircraft of World War I

The period of time from the first powered airplane flight in 1903 through the end of World War I was fascinating in terms of innovation, adaptation, and imagination. Joe Motto has captured and will present the aircraft of WW I both on the field and in the air. With images from Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York and the Military Air Museum in Virginia Beach, this program will demonstrate for you the beautiful aircraft of that era of flight.
Presenter: Joe Motto, MD
Coordinator: Jim Urness (715) 832-5670
Thursday: May 10 1:30 – 3:00 p.m
Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E Fillmore Ave. Enter on Nimitz St. side

76. Foreign Affairs – Eau Claire

We will view one Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions 2018 video each week and discuss the topic. Each Friday, there will be a different topic and leader as listed below.
May 11 Pat Henke…Turkey: A Partner in Crisis
May 18 Stan Norman…U.S. Global Engagement and the Military
May 25 Mindy Merryfield…South Africa’s Fragile Democracy
June 1 Lou Frase…Global Health: Progress and Challenges.
Coordinator: Dave Steele (715) 286-2676
Fridays: May 11, 18, 25, and June 1 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
L. E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger Street, Thompson Room

77. Lord Gordon Gordon at the History Theatre

1871. From the creators of Gleensheen. An imposter going by the name of Lord Gordon Gordon wanders into Minnesota and causes such a stir that he nearly ignites a war with Canada. A fake. A fraud. A snake charmer. This con-artist would dazzle and swindle his way into the hearts and wallets of some very well-to-do Minnesotans and then take them on a journey as twistedly bizarre as GLENSHEEN! After the 10:00 a.m. matinee, we will proceed to Grand Avenue in St. Paul with its many restaurants and fun shopping. Limit 112
Coordinator: Pat Williams (715) 839-0752
Thursday: May 17
Bus departs 29 Pines at 8:00 a.m. and returns around 4:30 p.m.
Bus leaves Marketplace at 8:30 a.m. and arrives back about 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $45 Driver’s tip and lunch are not included.

Leinekugels is not the only business in the Chippewa Valley specializing in paddle. Kyle Nyseth, a 22-year Navy veteran, has turned a hobby into a retirement business operating out of his home, providing paddles, plaques, coin boxes, and carriers. Nyseth offers his products to the Naval community. He will share his experiences serving during the Iraq War, the unit camaraderie that got him into the business, and the expertise of bringing a keepsake of a service unit into existence. Co-sponsored by L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
Presenter: Kyle Nyseth
Coordinator: Herb Ruscin (715) 877-1642
Thursday: May 24 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire Room, lower level, 400 Eau Claire Street

81. World War I Object Stories

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of The Great War, later known as World War I. Join Chippewa Valley Museum Director Carrie Ronnander for a look at World War I through the objects brought back or used by Chippewa Valley residents. Limit 90
Presenter: Carrie Ronnander, Chippewa Valley Museum Director
Coordinator: Amy Alpine (715) 835-0894
Tuesday: June 5 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Chippewa Valley Museum, 1204 East Half Moon Drive, Carson Park

Bio: Carrie Ronnander became Curator for the Chippewa Valley Museum in 2000. Now as the museum’s Director, she still has responsibility for supervising the care and development of the museum’s collection of 23,000 objects.

82. Exploring Poetry 3

We will continue to look at the way poems reshape routines, transform everyday objects, reconstruct the past, point to the future, and connect us with each other. [It is not necessary to have attended Exploring Poetry 1 or 2.]
Presenter: Erna Kelly
Coordinator: Sharon R. Lowry (715) 874-5633
Tuesdays: June 12 and 19 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Unity Christ Center, 1808 Folsom

83. Midsummer Night’s Dream at Winona

Great River Shakespeare Festival is a nonprofit, professional theater company dedicated to dynamic, clearly spoken productions of Shakespeare’s plays. We will travel to the campus of Winona State University and participate in a pre-play discussion with actors and production staff while enjoying a gourmet box lunch. Then we will proceed to the theater to watch Midsummer Night’s Dream. Limit 112
Coordinator: Pat Williams (715) 839-0752
Wednesday: July 11
Bus departs 29 Pines at 10:30 a.m. and returns around 6:30 p.m.
Bus leaves Marketplace at 11:00 a.m. and arrives back about 6:00 p.m.
Show starts at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $60 Includes gourmet box lunch with beverage. Driver’s tip is not included.